“Burkeley Jameson Morgan, leave that lady and food be. I swear you men act like just because you were part of the creating stage you’re entitled to the same privileges as the mother. As a matter of fact, get out of my damn kitchen before I forget why I’m thankful the good Lord gave me two boys.”
I looked over to see if McKay would defend me but when I caught her knowing smirk, I knew better. She did, however, pick up the fork and cut a piece for me, already knowing what I wanted.
“Really, Mama? Fathers matter too. See, my baby knows that too, but I’ma leave though.” I said, accepting the food off the fork before I pecked McKay’s lips.
I made it to the back den just as the Sharks scored a touchdown. I tossed a couple nods around the room at my family, the ones I recognized and even the ones I didn’t.
Laughter came as soon as I stepped inside.
“Didn’t even let you make it a whole ten minutes. C’mon son, I already got your drink ready.” My dad welcomed me, offering a glass toward me.
“Naw, I tried to take a bite of McKay’s food and got kicked out quick as hell. Mama talking about fathers don’t get the same privileges. Shit, I’m the dad and we get cravings too.” I fake pouted as I accepted the drink, taking a sip, allowing the warmth to soothe my hurt feelings.
“Nigga, it ain’t even your baby for real. Fake baby daddies don’t get pregnancy cravings,” Boss joked, stopping everyone’s movements.
“Yo, Boss!” Tino called out, making him look up and laugh as all eyes were on me.
“Oh damn, my bad, nigga. I forgot it’s a secret about you and McKay faking all this stuff through the holidays. I still think it’sfucked up that you’re making her a single mother after the first bitch ass nigga already did.” He tried to whisper that part to me, as if the fire he had just started wasn’t already blazing enough.
“Oh shit!” Art yelled.
Since Tino was right next to him and I was afraid if I got any closer I would fuck his ass up right now, he hit Boss in his chest to get him to shut up.
“What the fuck did he just say?” That was Chris, who I hadn’t even had a chance to greet yet.
I set my drink down so I could put my hands up to stop his advance as he moved my way faster.
“Yeah, what is he talking about, BK? Please tell me y’all not running around here lying to us.” And of course that was my dad.
“Yeah, tell us, BK,” Art added unnecessary, making me not want to explain shit to anybody.
“Now before y’all overreact, it’s not what you think. We haven’t been lying.”
“So it’s your baby?” Chris asked. Before I could respond, Boss opened his fucking mouth again.
“Nope. But he’s saying it is. I mean, just tell them the truth, BK. They’re y’all family, they’ll understand you wanting to step up, man. At least you want to be a father, even if the jit’s not yours,” Boss slurred as he took another sip of his drink.
“Nigga will you shut the fuck up! Yo, Tino, will you take this fool out of the room?” I yelled. “I’m the only father Peanut will ever have and the only man who will give your daughter their last name. That I can guarantee you. Nothing else matters beyond that.”
“A lot matters, like who is the nigga who left my baby girl needing to lie to me? I still need to know.” When it got quiet, I thought the shit was dead until he marched out the room and I feared I would have to fuck McKay’s dad up on Thanksgiving.
My feet were moving fast behind him, trying to stop him from doing too much.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
McKay
I sat at the table listening to my mama, Mrs. Anna, and Burkeley’s aunties going on about Peanut and all the things I’d better prepare for with motherhood. I hated to sound like this, but if it wasn’t for the nice ass spread of food on my plate, I would’ve gotten up a long time ago. The mini chicken and waffles had me stuck to my seat, enjoying their conversation with each bite I took. Every now and then, to make it seem like I was indeed paying attention, I added a nod for a little extra razzle dazzle to do the trick.
“Mmhmm… I hear y’all.”
I had just taken another bite.
“McKay Marie, who the hell is Peanut’s real daddy and don’t you dare try to lie to me.” Chris’s voice boomed throughout the kitchen, which had me breaking from my blissful moment between me and my food. It took a minute for his words to register. Burkeley wasn’t far behind him though, immediately standing with his back to me, shielding me from our dads and Art.
“No disrespect, Mr. Chris, but it’s for fuck sure not going down like that. We gon’ handle this like adults. You’re not goingto come in here yelling at McKay either, especially when I’m sure we’ll agree that no stress will come to her nor my baby.” His tone was heavy with anger at those two last words of his statement.
